2002 FX4 31 spline 8.8

[Lukegotlost]

Hello all.
I’ve recently stumbled upon the mythical 2002 Ranger FX4 in a wrecking yard, that has a 31 spline 8.8, Torsen diff and 4.10’s, and has a build date of 8/2002. I would like to use this axle for an upgrade, but it is missing the axle shafts. It looks like the explorer shafts are identical, other than being 3/8 of an inch longer on both shafts. I’m thinking the Explorer shafts will work in this axle, since the axle is drum brakes. It will just move the drums out a little further. Anyone tried this? Have any experience?

 

[sgtsandman]

I'm no expert on axles but if I remember correctly, Explorer axles are a different length that Ranger axles. It's one thing to do an entire axle swap and another to do what you are asking. The good news is 31 spline Ranger axles will be easier to find that the housing with a Torsen in it and might still be worth grabbing.

 

[Lukegotlost]

I'm no expert on axles but if I remember correctly, Explorer axles are a different length that Ranger axles. It's one thing to do an entire axle swap and another to do what you are asking. The good news is 31 spline Ranger axles will be easier to find that the housing with a Torsen in it and might still be worth grabbing.

I appreciate the reply. I’ve been doing a lot of research, and it turns out those axle shafts are very hard to come by. It might be a dealer only part. I have some explorer axles in my shop, and it looks like the 3/8 longer shafts will push the axle shafts out too far, causing the bearings to not ride on the bearing lands. Luckily for me, I’m skilled in building axles. Looks like I’ll just be grabbing the differential, and putting it into an explorer housing.